Issuu

Comprehensive Eye Exam 1

Table of Contents What is a Comprehensive Eye Exam?................................................................. 4 What is Covered and Discussed During an Eye Exam?......................... 6 What is a Refraction?...................................................................................................... 12 Vision Exam Breakdown .............................................................................................. 14 Patient Testimonials ........................................................................................................16 Optical and Contact Lens Options ...................................................................... 17 What if I Don’t Come in for My Eye Exam?.....................................................24 Preparing for My Eye Exam .......................................................................................25 Where to Go for My Eye Exam? ............................................................................ 26 Is My Eye Exam Covered Under My Insurance? ...................................... 28 Prioritize Your Ocular Health ....................................................................................32 Glossary ...................................................................................................................................33

Our History Marietta Eye Clinic was founded over 50 years ago in 1967. Throughout our history, you and your vision have been our focus. We are dedicated to providing the highest quality and most technologically advanced solutions for your eyes. We have multiple office locations across metro Atlanta including Marietta, East Cobb, West Cobb, Acworth, Woodstock, Hiram, Douglasville, Canton, Roswell and on Windy Hill Road – and we are still growing.

How to Use This Booklet Having a comprehensive eye exam is an important part of your overall health. They should be conducted yearly and perhaps more frequently if a patient presents with a condition that requires close monitoring. There are many things to consider. We created this guide to help you through your comprehensive eye exam from start to finish. We have included information that addresses common questions regarding comprehensive eye exams. If you have additional questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to us via email at opticalquestions@mariettaeye.com.

What is a Comprehensive Eye Exam?

Comprehensive eye exams are conducted by ophthalmologists and optometrists to assess your overall ocular health. Generally, comprehensive eye exams should be conducted annually unless otherwise specified by a qualified provider. Age, family history, health conditions, and other factors affect the frequency each individual needs to see their eye doctor. Many people think of a vision (glasses or contact lens) exam as a comprehensive eye exam. Glasses or contact lens prescriptions do not reflect the health of the eyes and must be accompanied by a thorough internal examination of each eye while dilated to assess ocular health. Do not cheat yourself or your family of having the most comprehensive exam performed by a capable clinician. The key to excellent eye care is a highly trained and experienced provider. We have over 30 providers with a diverse background of experience, training, and specialties. In most instances, routine eye exams require 90 minutes.

OPTOMETRISTS Some of our optometrists are specialists in contact lens, ocular disease, neuro-optometry, and low vision. Because we are a comprehensive care clinic, if you require more specialized care, we can refer you to a specialist within our clinic.

What is Covered and Discussed During an Eye Exam? HISTORY • Reason for visit – The reason for visit is a statement describing your primary goal for the appointment. The technician will obtain the reason for the visit so the provider can properly address your concerns. Questions the technician may ask: - What is the main reason for your visit today? - Has your vision changed since your last eye exam? - Are you having any specific problems with your eyes such as pain, discomfort, trauma, double vision, dryness, etc.? • Personal ocular history – The ocular history is updated during the comprehensive exam and is important for identifying a history of previous eye conditions and/ or surgeries that may affect the doctor’s treatment plan. Questions the technician may ask include: - Have you ever had eye surgery? - Have you ever had any injury to either of your eyes? - Have you ever been diagnosed with a chronic eye condition?

• Past Medical and Surgical History – This is updated during the comprehensive exam and is important in identifying systemic diseases that can affect the health of your eyes. Questions the technician may ask include: - Have you ever been diagnosed with a chronic health condition (i.e. hypertension, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, etc.)? - Are you being treated with medication for any of these conditions? If so, what medications are you taking? - Have you ever had any major surgery? - Are you allergic to any medication?

• Family Ocular History – The family ocular history is updated during the comprehensive exam and is important in assessing your risk of developing hereditary ocular diseases. Questions the technician may ask include: - Has anyone in your family been diagnosed with a chronic eye condition (i.e. glaucoma, macular degeneration, strabismus)? - Has anyone in your family gone blind from a known or unknown eye condition? • Family Medical History – This is updated during the comprehensive exam and is important in assessing your risk of developing hereditary systemic diseases, many of which can affect your ocular health. Questions the technician may ask include: - Has anyone in your family been diagnosed with diabetes, hypertension, cancer, or heart disease?

PRELIMINARY TESTS • A visual acuity test examines your ability to see near and far. 20/20 vision means that a patient sees at 20 feet, what is normal to see at 20 feet. 20/60 vision means that a patient can see an object at 20 feet but should be able to see it at 60 feet. • Color vision abnormalities tend to be hereditary and are more common in males. Color vision abnormalities can also develop as a result of eye disease. • Stereovision is usually tested by having you look at 3-D images. A person who has significantly reduced vision in one eye will usually have reduced stereovision.

• Eye alignment tells a clinician whether your eyes are working together. In some instances, one eye may be viewing slightly above, below or to the side of the other eye. Muscle imbalances may cause double vision. A significant level of eye misalignment may require treatment with special glasses or surgery. Early detection in a child makes a difference on improving the vision to its best visual outcome. • Pupil Assessment – If your pupils do not function properly, it could indicate neurological dysfunction and may require further evaluation to determine the cause.

INTRAOCULAR PRESSURE There are several different instruments used to obtain the pressure inside the eye. Intraocular pressure is usually tested with an instrument attached to a slit lamp. The instrument will gently touch your anesthetized eye and determine its intraocular pressure (IOP). Normal IOPs range between 10 and 21 millimeters (mm) of mercury. The results of your IOP will help determine your risk of having glaucoma or developing glaucoma in the future. Additional testing may be performed to rule out this potentially sight-threatening condition. Glaucoma has no symptoms, even if the eye pressure is high, and the individual is usually unaware they are losing their vision.

WHY GET DILATED? A dilated eye exam is an exam in which one or both pupils are dilated (widened) with eye drops to allow a wider view of the posterior structures of your eyes. This method is one of the most effective way for a provider to view the back of your eye. During a non-dilated exam, providers are not able to examine all of the structures inside the back of the eyeball, which is why dilation is recommended at all comprehensive eye exams. Deferring the dilated exam against the recommendation of the provider could lead to missed diagnosis of diseases such as glaucoma, macular degeneration, retinal tear, retinal detachment, and many others.

WHAT TO EXPECT AFTER DILATION The two most common effects of dilation are increased light sensitivity and inability to see up close for several hours after the appointment. For this reason, it is recommended that patients make arrangements for a driver if they do not feel safe driving themselves. However, most patients can drive safely with dark sunglasses which you are given after the exam. Overall, dilation is safe, and its effects typically do not last longer than 3-4 hours beyond the appointment time.

DISCUSSION OF THE RESULTS After the provider reviews the preliminary testing and conducts their exam, he/she will review the results with you. The provider will educate you on any remarkable findings, being sure to answer any questions, and provide an appropriate treatment plan. During the exam, the provider will answer questions such as:

· Do I need to update my glasses and/or contact lens prescription? · What type of lenses do you recommend for my glasses? · Were there any abnormal findings that would require treatment? · Were there any findings that require further evaluation by a general medical practitioner or specialist? · What alternative treatments are there for my condition?

What is a Refraction? When a refraction is performed, an instrument called a phoropter is placed in front of your eyes and various lens combinations are shown until the clearest vision is obtained. Refractions are usually performed by trained technicians. Your doctor reviews your refraction and makes recommendations. You will either require no vision correction or be categorized as myopic, hyperopic, astigmatic, or presbyopic. If you complain of blurred vision, a refraction will be performed.

The following are the most common conditions that would require you to wear glasses or contact lenses. Some of these, these conditions can also be treated by LASIK or other refractive surgical procedures. • Myopia, also referred to a nearsightedness or shortsightedness, is the condition of having blurred distance vision. • Hyperopia, also called farsightedness, refers to blurred vision at distance, near, or both, depending on a patient’s age. • Astigmatism is an asymmetric curvature of the cornea on the outside of the eye or crystalline lens on the inside of the eye that can cause blurred vision at both distance and near. This is often described as a “football-shaped” eye and is usually found in conjunction with nearsightedness or farsightedness. • Presbyopia is characterized by blurred vision up close and is caused by aging. If you require contact lenses and glasses, many options are available. Refer to the Optical portion of this booklet or speak to your optician after your exam.

Vision Exam Breakdown SLIT LAMP EXAM A slit lamp is an upright microscope that allows a practitioner to thoroughly examine the external aspects of the eye: the lids, conjunctiva, corneal tissue, iris, and lens. If the eye is dilated, the internal structures can also be examined in great detail. Abnormalities of these structures may indicate cataracts, macular degeneration, optic nerve disease, or other retinal diseases can be detected.

WHEN SHOULD EYE EXAMS BE CONDUCTED? Most children should have an eye exam by age 5, although exams can be performed sooner if needed. It is never too early to have a thorough visual assessment to check for concerns that may cause school-related or developmental problems. It is extremely important to monitor children under age 5 for vision-related issues as they may not be able to verbalize their visual problems. Adults should have eye exams annually. Patients with systemic diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, or autoimmune diseases may require more frequent evaluations. How often these examinations are recommended depends on the severity of the systemic disease, how severe the vision loss may be at present, or the potential for initial or further vision loss.

Patient Testimonials

“

“ “ “

This was my first time visiting this eye clinic. From the receptionist and all the nurses that attended me they were very nice and helpful. Then the physician was so patient, caring and professional with me and very informative in fact, her examination found something that my previous physician, which I left, did not find and has told me exactly what is going on and what I need to do to correct the problem. I look forward to my follow-up visit with her.”

I am very pleased with the service and knowledge of the Marietta Eye Clinic staff and doctors. I have been evaluated for Glaucoma many times but this time I was properly diagnosed and have been put on a routine to combat it. My pressure has improved by 6 points!”

Marietta Eye Clinic has been incredibly helpful to getting my sight healthy. I highly recommend them. Professional and helpful!”

My visit to Marietta Eye Clinic was great...from check in to eye exam and checking out frames. I would recommend Marietta Eye Clinic to my friends.”

Optical and Contact Lens Options Marietta Eye Clinic Optical Department offers a large variety of frames from some of the top designers at prices for every budget. Each of our clinics has an optical shop staffed by licensed and experienced opticians who will help you choose the best lenses and frames for your vision and desired look. Marietta Eye Clinic has a variety of lens options available to suit your needs. Whether you are active, staying up to date on the latest trends, spend a lot of time outdoors, or are taking care of little ones, we have lens designs for everyone. We will take the doctor’s recommendations for products and help explain the benefits to you. We are trained on the newest products that offer patients the latest and most advanced technology for the clearest, most comfortable vision. We offer competitive pricing, affordable eyewear packages, and multiple-pair savings. We accept most vision insurance plans. Our contact lens department has special rebates from manufacturers that cannot be matched by most competitors.

GLASSES Marietta Eye Clinic has partnered with the most innovative lens manufacturers to offer you the latest technology in the optical industry. Our opticians have up-to-date training on all the newest lens options and have tools needed to guarantee proper fit and style for our patients. Our lens options include some of the best lens options on the market, like Varilux and Crizal. Essilor lens designs give you the sharpest vision possible. Regardless of the lens type you need, the opticians at Marietta Eye Clinic will work with local labs to ensure you are getting the best lens for your needs and lifestyle.

OUR GLASSES DEPARTMENT • Offers premium quality products for the most fashionable styles and best visual outcome. • Carries hundreds of frames and our opticians will ensure you have the correct fit, shape, and color for your fashion needs while making sure it is a proper fit with your prescription. • Stands behind our products. All frames and lenses come with a manufacturer’s warranty, a 1-year warranty on frames, and up to 2 years on lenses. (Ask for details) For those who require corrective glasses or contact lenses, there are several types of lenses available including but not limited to: • • • •

Progressive Blue Light Safety Glasses Single Vision

• Computer Glasses • UV Protection • And More

Optical Exam Lane Video

CONTACT LENSES Contact lenses are an amazing feat of technology. They bring clear vision and freedom from glasses to millions of people around the world. The latest lens technology can treat many eye disorders, including near-sightedness (myopia), far-sightedness (hyperopia), presbyopia (age-related loss of the ability to focus up close), and astigmatism (irregularly-shaped cornea or lens). However, as with any medical product or device, there are important instructions that must be followed to avoid injury or permanent damage. There are serious health consequences related to improper care and use of contact lenses.

OUR CONTACT LENS DEPARTMENT • Stays current on the cutting edge of technology with new products that allow you to enjoy your contact lenses longer with clarity and comfort. • Recommends daily lenses because they are the healthiest when it comes to your eyes. • Employs well-trained contact lens fitters who remain up-todate on the new lens designs and fitting techniques for the best visual outcome and comfort. • We offer many types of contact lens fits including: - Spherical - Rigid Gas Permeable (RGP) - Monovision - Astigmatism - Multifocal - And More

Do Not Lose Your Vision to Bad Habits 1 in 3 contact lens wearers admits to sleeping in their contact lenses, and thousands of people develop eye infections every year because of improper contact lens wear and care. Infections, corneal ulcers, and scarring are all potential consequences of sleeping in contact lenses that can have permanent effects on your vision. Develop healthy contact lens habits to ensure the health of your eyes for years to come. Infection It can sometimes be tempting to wear contact lenses longer than recommended. However, it is important to dispose of contact lenses after their intended length of use and never to sleep in them. A study from the Journal of Ophthalmology found that occasionally sleeping in contact lenses increased the risk of moderate to severe eye infection by 6.5 times. Eye infections can be serious, and cases related to contact lens misuse have led to hospital admissions and surgery. Infections can threaten your vision acutely and permanently. Corneal Ulcers Extended use and wear of your contact lenses can lead to serious corneal issues that are difficult to treat. When worn for too long, contact lenses can become dry and can scratch the eye or block oxygen from reaching the eye which can result in corneal ulcers. These ulcers can cause red eyes, blurry vision, pus or other discharge, severe pain or soreness, and permanent loss of vision. Contact lenses must be properly cared for to prevent this painful, potentially sight-threatening condition. You should not sleep in your contact lenses.

Permanent Scarring Infections and ulcers are treatable, but corneal ulcers leave permanent scars on the cornea. Depending on the position of the scars, they can impede your vision. Scarring can only be eliminated with laser surgery, cornea transplant surgery, or corneal transplants. Ensure your corneas stay healthy and your vision remains clear with proper contact lens use and care.

Bausch + Lomb – Inserting your lenses

What If I Don’t Come in for My Eye Exam? Medications and prescriptions expire after one year. If your contacts are lost, or your glasses are broken, you will not be able to see your best without an updated prescription. Serious health issues for adults may also be detected during a routine eye exam like stroke or diabetes. A routine eye exam can detect serious health conditions early.

Preparing for My Eye Exam What to do leading up to your comprehensive eye exam appointment? Pay attention to any visual challenges or other symptoms that you may have noticed lately. Take note of when they started and if they seem to be getting better or worse. Be sure to write down any questions you may have for the doctor in advance so you don’t forget to ask during your exam. There are a few things we recommend you do to prepare for your comprehensive eye exam: • Plan for your visit to be at least 90 minutes based on your needs. • Discuss eye health history with your family. • Remember if you are dilated, you will not be able to see up close for 3-5 hours after your exam. Bring these with you to your appointment: • Current Glasses • Insurance Information • Legal Identification • Current Boxes of Contact Lenses • Previous Prescription Information • List of Medications and Surgeries • List of Questions You May Have for Your Doctor

Where to Go for My Eye Exam? You can schedule your comprehensive eye exam with any of our expert eye care providers. Each one of our locations are equipped to skillfully take care of your eye exam needs. Marietta Eye Clinic — Kennestone 895 Canton Road NE Marietta, GA 30060 (770) 427-8111

Marietta Eye Clinic — East Cobb 3939 Roswell Road, Suite 100 Marietta, GA 30062 (770) 977-8000

Marietta Eye Clinic — Windy Hill 2520 Windy Hill Road, Suite 206 Marietta, GA 30067 (770) 952-6851

Marietta Eye Clinic — Acworth 4450 Calibre Crossing, Suite 1104 Acworth, GA 30101 (678) 279-1141

Marietta Eye Clinic — West Cobb 2453 Powder Springs Road Marietta, GA 30064 (770) 801-0700

Marietta Eye Clinic — Towne Lake 2990 Eagle Drive, Suite 110 Woodstock, GA 30189 (678) 460-4810

Marietta Eye Clinic — Canton 100 Old Ball Ground Highway, Suite A Canton, GA 30114 (770) 479-2195

Marietta Eye Clinic — Paulding 47 Highland Pavilion Court, Suite 101 Hiram, GA 30141 (678) 981-1095

Marietta Eye Clinic — Douglasville 8841 Hospital Drive Douglasville, GA 30134 (770) 577-2220

Marietta Eye Clinic — Roswell 10485 Alpharetta Street Roswell, GA 30075 (678) 439-2443

See our website for the latest updated locations/additions. https://www.mariettaeye.com/our-locations/

RYDAL

140

WALESKA

575

411 20

Canton Office 20

140

CARTERSVILLE EMERSON

WOODSTOCK Towne Lake Office

ACWORTH Acworth Office

Roswell Office

ROSWELL

KENNESAW

120

WHITE FOREST

EAST COBB

East Cobb Office 85 Kennestone Office SANDY SPRINGS MARIETTA

285 Paulding Office HIRAM 728

Windy Hill Office

West Cobb Office POWDER SPRINGS MABLETON

BUCKHEAD

ATLANTA

DOUGLASVILLE Douglasville Office

285 85 COLLEGE PARK

CAMPBELLTON

Is My Eye Exam Covered Under My Insurance?

Knowing which insurance plan to use can be confusing, but it does not have to be. Essentially, vision insurance only covers routine eye exams, annual eye health exams, or exams for glasses and/or contact prescriptions and does not cover anything considered medical. On the other hand, medical insurance only covers exams in which a patient is diagnosed with a medical condition or diagnosis and does not cover anything considered routine. Medical insurance does not cover the refraction portion of your exam.

FAQS: VISION VS. MEDICAL · I’m only here for a new glasses and/or contact lens prescription. Which insurance should I use? VISION · I’m only here for a routine eye exam and have absolutely no complaints about my eyes. Which insurance should I use? VISION · I’m here because I was diagnosed with cataracts by another doctor but want a second opinion. Which insurance should I use? MEDICAL · I was referred by my primary care physician for an eye exam due to a medication I’m taking that affects my eyes. Which insurance should I use? MEDICAL · I was previously diagnosed with macular degeneration, diabetes, dry eye, or another ocular disorder. Which exam should I have? MEDICAL · I’m here because my vision seems to be getting worse and I’ve never worn glasses before. Which insurance should I use? IT DEPENDS. If the cause for your decreased vision is treated with glasses and contacts, you will be using your vision insurance. If the cause for your decreased vision is treated with drops or surgery, you will be using your medical insurance. · I just had a complete exam a few months ago, but I’ve noticed a recent change in my vision. Which insurance should I use? IT DEPENDS. If the cause for your decreased vision is treated with glasses and contacts, you will be using your vision insurance. If the cause for your decreased vision is treated with drops or surgery, you will be using your medical insurance.

VISION PLAN Vision insurance covers a routine comprehensive eye exam annually. This examination checks for but does not cover treatment of eye disease. The refraction (determination of the eye’s prescription) is included, and since there are no medical problems, there is no discussion of problems or follow-up needed when using Vision Insurance. Depending on your coverage for your vision plan, you may have benefits for materials such as glasses and contacts. Ask your optician for details regarding your plan benefits.

MEDICAL PLAN Medical insurance is health insurance that covers evaluations for medical conditions. Medical insurance does not cover routine eye exams or refractions. This includes testing and treatment. Medical evaluations may incur additional cost based on the doctor’s findings. We accept most major medical insurance plans. Please contact your insurance carrier to verify benefits and coverage. Payment of benefits are subject to all terms, conditions, and exclusions of the member’s policy at the time of service.

Eye health is complex and circumstances may vary. The information above is a general guideline. Each insurance is different and we recommend checking with your insurance provider on which option is best for your immediate needs.

FAQS Is it possible to switch my visit from a vision/ routine-only visit to a medical visit? Yes. Both you and your provider will make the determination on which insurance covers the nature of your visit. I only have vision insurance, but I’d like to discuss a medical eye condition that I’ve been diagnosed with. Will my vision insurance cover this visit? No. Vision insurance covers complete eye exams but does not cover visits in which patients discuss medical treatment plans. I’d like to have diagnostic testing done to rule out an eye condition as recommended by my eye doctor. Will my vision insurance cover these costs? No. Diagnostic testing is considered medical in nature. You will have to return for another visit to have the medical issues addressed. I only have medical insurance and would like to use it to cover my follow up visit for my chronic eye condition. I also need a new glasses prescription. Will my medical insurance pay for my visit and my glasses prescription? The medical insurance will cover the medical visit but will not cover the cost of the refraction (test used to determine glasses prescription). You will have to pay the refraction fee at the time of your visit.

Prioritize Your Ocular Health For many, vision is the sense that would be the toughest to lose. Yet despite how much people rely on their vision, many do not get examinations as often as recommended. Regular exams allow eye doctors to detect abnormalities before they become irreversible problems. For people in high-risk groups, such as those living with systemic health problems that affect the eyes, regular exams are even more important to maintaining ocular health. Do not cheat yourself or your family of having the most comprehensive exam performed by a capable clinician. Eye examinations are critical to overall health. They should be conducted periodically and perhaps more frequently if a patient presents a condition that requires close monitoring. Many people mistake a vision (glasses or contact lens) exam with a comprehensive eye exam. Glasses or contact lens prescriptions do not reflect the health of the eyes and must be accompanied by a thorough internal examination of each eye while dilated to assess ocular health.

Glossary Unfortunately, ophthalmology sometimes involves a lot of big words, and you may hear a term you do not know now and then—or you may hear multiple terms used to describe the same thing. Hopefully, this short glossary will help clear up any confusion. Astigmatism: a type of refractive error in which the eye does not focus light evenly on the retina which causes blurry vision. Blue light: blue wavelengths that can be harmful to the eye over prolonged periods. Cataracts: the clouding of the lens of the eye, that occurs with age and is treated with cataract surgery. Computer Glasses: task specific glasses that help reduce the eye strain associated with computer work. Conjunctiva: the mucus membrane that covers the front of the eye and lines the inside of the eyelids. Cornea: the transparent dome that covers the front portion of the eye and whose main function is to refract or bend light. Glaucoma: vision loss due to increased eye pressure that damages the optic nerve. Hyperopia: a common vision condition in which you can see objects at distance clearly, but objects up close are blurry. Intraocular Pressure (IOP): the fluid pressure inside the eye. Iris: the colored tissue at the front of the eye that controls the amount of light that enters the eye by dilating and contracting.

LASIK: Laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) is a surgical procedure used to treat refractive error and is an alternative to wearing glasses or contact lenses. Low Vision: is vision loss that can’t be corrected with glasses, contacts or surgery. Macular Degeneration: is a condition characterized by the progressive break down of the macula, which is the central portion of the retina responsible for central vision and color vision. Monovision: means wearing one contact lens that corrects for distance vision in one eye and another lens that corrects for near vision in the other eye. Multifocal: refer to any lenses with multiple powers including bifocals, trifocals or progressive lenses. Myopia: a common vision condition in which you can see objects near to you clearly, but objects farther away are blurry. Neuro-optometric: is an individualized treatment for patients with visual impairments that may be caused by physical disabilities, traumatic brain injuries, and other neurological insults. Ophthalmologist: a specialist in the branch of medicine concerned with the study and treatment of disorders and diseases of the eye via prescribing medicine and/or eye surgery. Optician: a person qualified to make and supply eyeglasses and contact lenses for correction of vision. Optometrist: is a health care provider that examines the eyes and applicable visual systems for defects or abnormalities. They can prescribe glasses and/or contact lenses for the correction of refractive errors and medications for treatment of eye diseases.

Presbyopia: a common vision condition in which you lose the ability to see up close. This is often associated with aging and typically occurs around the age of 40. Pupil: is the black circle in the center of the iris. Refraction: a test performed by a technician or eye care provider to determine a patient’s glasses prescription. Refractive Error: visual abnormality resulting in blurred vision caused by the improper bending of light. Retinal Detachment: a separation of the retina from the eyeball. Safety Glasses: glasses designed for greater impact resistance contact. Scleral Lens: they are large diameter rigid gas permeable lenses. Single Vision: glasses used for one purpose: distance, near, or computer. Strabismus: a condition in which the eyes do not properly align with each other. Visual Acuity: the ability to discern letters or numbers at a given distance on a fixed standard.

895 Canton Road NE Marietta, GA 30060 (770) 427-8111 mariettaeye.com